Unc's Daily Update Archives - 11 Orange 400x100px

August 1 - 10, 2010

These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!

August 1, 2010

Grateful Dead demi-god Jerry Garcia would have been 68.
Guitarist Tommy Bolin, who worked with Deep Purple and the James Gang, would have been 60.
Def Leppard singer Joe Elliot is 51.

On this day in 1964, The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" hit #1 on the singles charts.

On this day in 1969, the 3-day Atlantic City Pop Festival opened in New Jersey. Over 110,00 came out to hear Iron Butterfly, C.C.R., Jefferson Airplane, Little Richard, Janis Joplin, Santana and Joe Cocker perform.

On this day in 1971, George Harrison held his first Concert for Bangladesh at New York's Madison Square Garden. The concert, featuring Harrison, Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, raised money to combat famine in the Southeast Asian nation — although the needy never saw that money for years and years due to legal problems.

On this day in 1981, MTV made its debut on America's television screens. The cable channel was launched in approximately 2.1 million homes, and the first video aired was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles. It was 10 full months before any of the V.J.s appeared in "Playboy," the final arbiter of success.

On this day in 1987, the #1 hit in the U.S. was "Shakedown." Bob Seger's song from the "Beverly Hills Cop II" soundtrack was also the Detroit rocker's first #1. Originally, the tune was supposed to be recorded by Glenn Frey, who contracted laryngitis. We can only assume Seger sent him flowers.

August 2, 2010

Keyboardist Garth Hudson of The Band is either 68 or 73, depending on who you're talking to.
Traffic drummer/singer Jim Capaldi would have been 66.

On this day in 1961, The Beatles began a regular booking at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Although the club was really just a basement, it played host to literally hundreds of aspiring bands from Northern England.

On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney produced Badfinger's Abbey Road recording session for "Come and Get It."

On this day in 1971, The Who released their incredible "Who's Next" album.

On this day in 1974, Steely Dan drummer Jim Hodder and guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter quit the group. Baxter soon joined The Doobie Brothers and Hodder reportedly went to work at Pink's Hot Dogs on La Brea. Their departures helped pave the way for Steely Dan to become a two-man studio project featuring Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

On this day in 1975, Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album entered the charts as the band toured the States in two station wagons, opening for Loggins & Messina. It was the former blues band's first record with pop-oriented songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. A full 54 weeks later, it became the Mac's first #1 charting, multi-million selling album.

A Special Anniversary

On this day in 1876, famed gunfighter/pistoleer/U.S. Frontier Scout & Marshall James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok was killed dead by a shot in the head while playing poker in a Deadwood, South Dakota saloon. Wild Bill died holding a poker hand which consisted of the Ace of Clubs, the Ace of Spades, two black eights, and an odd card which some say was either the Queen of Hearts, the Queen of Spades or the Jack of Diamonds. The combination of two aces and two eights has since been known as a "Dead Man's Hand." Now shuffle 'em up again, my friend!

AC/DC Not Done Yet

After just finishing the second highest-grossing tour in the history of the world, singer Brian Johnson says that there's a new AC/DC album coming in the near future. His full statement — once it was translated into American English — said the band will "probably bring a live album out" soon. Rock & Roll!

Episodic Crowes

Tomorrow, on the very day that the Black Crowes new "Croweology" album is released, singer Chris Robinson will launch a month-long web series on the band's BlackCrowes.com site. Chris says that "20 Years Of Tall Tales" will focus on longstanding stories and rumors about the band as part of their wide ranging celebration of the 20th anniversary of their landmark multi-platinum debut, 1990's "Shake Your Moneymaker." Hmm... not sure I've ever heard of any longstanding stories or rumors about the band, have you?

Big Sale For Big Bucks

Have you been saving your loose change for the big sale hitting tomorrow at Cameo Fine Art Auctioneers in London. The honest-to-God handwritten lyrics singer Jim Morrison used when he recorded The Doors "L.A. Woman" and a Jimi Hendrix painted and signed 1967 picture of a snake and three eyes share the top of the bill with some candid Beatles photos.

Late To The Game

The Heavy Metal "Kerrang!" magazine has been around for many years, so you gotta wonder why they're just now getting around to honoring Motley Crue and Ronnie James Dio. At last week's Kerrang! Awards in London, The Crue took home the Kerrang! Hall Of Fame Award and Dio was posthumously recognized with a Kerrang! Icon Award (something he should received decades ago). Better late never, one would guess.

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "Experience is the one thing you can't get for nothing."

It was Satchel Paige who said: "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"

It was Winston Churchill who said: "The chief aim of wisdom is to enable one to bear with the stupidity of the ignorant."

BBQ For You

This is the last week to win a private Uncle Joe Backyard Barbeque party for you and 15 friends! KLOS and Kingsford Matchlight Charcoal want to take over your backyard, crank up the grill and have J.B. cook up a feast... and you'll get to keep the grill he cooked it on! But time is short — enter now to win!

August 3, 2010

Tony Bennett is 84.
Metallica guitarist James Hetfield and
Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland are both 47.

On this day in 1963, The Beatles gave their 294th and final performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Their departure from the club also coincided with their first entry into the American singles charts with "From Me To You," although the song only reached #116.

On this day in 1966, The Rolling Stones recorded "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow" in Los Angeles, where even that title seemed unusual.

On this day in 1968, The Doors scored their last #1 hit with "Hello, I Love You."

On this day in 1968, the first Newport Pop Festival opened to over 100,000 people (most without sunscreen) in Costa Mesa. Performers included Steppenwolf, Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead. The neighborhood just recovered last year.

On this day in 1973, in an extremely rare TV appearance, an Eagles gig at U.C.L.A. was featured on ABC's "In Concert."

Tyler Idol?

How true do you think those rampant rumors of Steven Tyler becoming a judge on "American Idol" are? Exactly as we'd expect him to do, the Aerosmith frontman teased reporters outside of a concert after-party in Las Vegas over the weekend, saying that his future plans include "recording an album and probably going to be a judge on 'American Idol.'" When pushed further about his comment, he said: "I'm doing it. What do you think? I'm doing it." Still, with Steven coming from the Mick Jagger/Gene Simmons school of "saying anything to get some free press," you have to wonder...

Mucho Bret TV

Bret Michaels will perform "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" on tomorrow night's live results episode of "America's Got Talent." But wait — there's more! On August 23rd, Bret will co-host this year's Miss Universe Pageant alongside "Today" show anchor Natalie Morales. For the record, the Miss Universe Organization is owned by Donald Trump, and Bret won the latest edition of Trump's show, "The Celebrity Apprentice." But wait — there's even more! This Fall, Michaels will debut with a new VH1 reality series called "Bret Michaels: Life as I Know It." But when will he ever rest?

Abbey Road Piano 4 U!

One of the Abbey Road Studios grand pianos will be auctioned off on August 15th. Starting in 1964, the instrument was used in Abbey Road's Studio Three for 25 years or so. As for its history, although The Beatles did most of their work primarily in Studio Two, they used this piano while recording "Paperback Writer." And it was used again on portions of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon." Although it's expected to sell for upwards of $230,000, we're all thinking it would sound great in your living room!

New U2 To Debut

U2 will resume their "360° Tour" on Friday in Torino, Italy, and of course fans are camped out near the gates of that city's Olympic Sports Hall stadium listening to the rehearsals while posting audio and video on-line. The coolest development is that the group has at least one brand new song they're working up on stage. It's hard to make out lyrics from the on-line recordings, but the tune is clearly more of a straight-ahead rocker than most of the material on 2009's "No Line on the Horizon." We'll know all about it soon enough: this European leg of the tour runs from Friday through October 8th. The next American leg begins next May 21st in Denver.

It was Rita Rudner who said: "Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry."

It was Ansel Adams who said: "There is nothing worse than a brilliant image of a fuzzy concept."

It was Duke Ellington who said: "A problem is a chance for you to do your best."

August 4, 2010

On this day in 1970, The Doors singer, Jim Morrison, was charged with public drunkenness in L.A. when he was found passed out on the doorstep of an elderly woman's house. Authorities never officially said if she had turned down the Lizard King's advances.

On this day in 1975, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant and his family were seriously injured when their rental car careened over a cliff on the Greek island of Rhodes.

On this day in 1979, Led Zeppelin played their first British gig in four years. Over 120,000 filled Knebworth Park to its limits to show their appreciation.

On this day in 1979, "Don't Bring Me Down" by the Electric Light Orchestra entered the charts.

On this day in 1980, John Lennon secretly began recording his comeback album, "Double Fantasy," in New York City.

On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen released the song "Cover Me" as The Cars song "Drive" entered the charts.

August 5, 2010

Guitarist Rick Derringer is 63.

On this day in 1966, The Beatles released the British version of "Revolver," considered by many to be the best album ever recorded.

On this day in 1967, Pink Floyd released their debut album, "Piper At The Gates Of Dawn." No one ever said it was the best album ever recorded.

On this day in 1972, Eric Clapton's "Layla" single peaked at #10 as Chicago released "Saturday In The Park."

On this day in 1972, record mogul Clive Davis signed a young band called Aerosmith to CBS Records after seeing them play Max's Kansas City in New York City. After throwing one heck of a party with their $125,000 advance, the band went directly into debt.

On this day in 1978, "Miss You" by The Rolling Stones hit #1 as "I Need To Know" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers peaked at #41 on the charts.

On this day in 1983, David Crosby was sentenced to five years in a Texas jail for drug and gun possession after sleeping through most of his trial.

On this day in 1992, Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro died of cardiac arrest at his Hidden Hills home. He was only 38 years old.

This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Def Leppard and Joe's brand new conversation with singer Joe Elliott... Stream on!

Macca/Glee

Paul McCartney played his first ever show in Nashville last week. His three hour set included a wide range of Beatles, Wings and solo songs, during which he pulled a 12-year-old boy out of the audience to sing with him on "Get Back." Meanwhile, "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy says he was "gobsmacked" when Sir Paulie sent him a mix tape of Beatles songs and a handwritten note that read, "'Hi, Ryan, I am hoping you would consider some of these songs for 'Glee.'" The former Beatle has said that he likes the FOX musical-comedy because it shines a light on arts education. And the personal knightly touch worked: next season a "Glee" episode will feature songs from Macca's catalog!

Bruce Doc

Heads up! The Thom Zimny-directed documentary "The Promise: The Making Of Darkness On The Edge Of Town," Bruce Springsteen's inside look at the making of one of his most acclaimed albums, will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14th. The DVD will be included as part of the "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" reissue due for release just before Christmas. That reissue is also expected to feature at least 10 outtakes from the "Darkness" sessions. Rock & Roll!

New/Old Live Airplane

Four never-before-released live albums covering the Jefferson Airplane's early career will finally be released on October 26th. The first two are Fillmore West shows: original vocalist Signe Anderson's farewell show on October 16th, 1966; and the November 25th, 1966 recording of singer Grace Slick's first gig with the band. The other two releases are the band's October 15th, 1966 Fillmore concert and a February 1st, 1968 show at The Matrix in San Francisco, the club where the band played their first concert.

Bad Co. Goes East

The boys must really be enjoying their long overdue reunion! Not only have Bad Company extended their current tour of North America (they'll be performing at the L.A. County Fair with yer Uncle Joe on October 2nd), they've also decided to play some shows in Japan for the first time in over 30 years! They'll head to the Far East in mid-October.

It was John Wooden who said: "A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment."

It was Frank Caliendo who said: "The secret to a long relationship is being afraid to say, 'I want out.'"

It was Thomas Jefferson who said: "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."

August 6, 2010

On this day in 1965, the British version of The Beatles "Help!" album (superior in all ways to the U.S. version) was released.

On this day in 1981, The Rolling Stones' song "Start Me Up" was released.

On this day in 1981, Stevie Nicks released her first solo album, "Bella Donna," which produced four hits, including "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" and "Edge of Seventeen." Fortunately for her main band, she continued on as a member of Fleetwood Mac.

On this day in 1982, the $10 million film version of Pink Floyd's best selling double-album "The Wall" had its U.S. premiere in New York City. With virtually no dialogue, the film was a series of surreal episodes equating rock & roll with fascism, women & sex with pain, and death & life with an inescapable madness. Not what you'd call uplifting.

On this day in 1983, "Cuts Like A Knife" by Bryan Adams peaked at #15 on the charts.

Professor Steve

Last October's two sold-out Steve Miller Band concerts at the University of Southern California for the Thornton School of Music’s 125th anniversary celebration have yielded an interesting result. The next academic year will see Steve Miller become part of the USC faculty as an Artist in Residence. That means he'll be working on a regular basis with undergrads in the Popular Music and Music Industry programs, imparting his wisdom upon them and sharing his experiences with them. This will definitely be an extension of his devotion to music education and his philanthropic work with Kids Rock Free, an organization that builds music schools throughout the country to provides free or very-low-cost music lessons to students between the ages of 7 and 17. Rock on!

Jerry Movie With No Jerry Music

Imagine a big bucks movie, a true biopic about the iconic Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia. Yes, a movie about Jerry Garcia without any of Jerry Garcia's music!! Grateful Dead Productions has informed Amir Bar-Lev, the writer/producer behind the latest film about Garcia's life, that his film won't get access to any of the Dead's catalog or Garcia's solo work. But wait — there's more! Producers for the in-production-movie have also been barred from speaking with the late San Francisco guitarist's family! Bar-Lev's other filmmaking credits include "Tillman," a documentary about the late NFL star-turned soldier, Pat Tillman. But his "Untitled Jerry Garcia Project" may have a few obstacles to cross before it's made.

Redux Of Plastic Ono Redux

Remember when Yoko Ono briefly reunited the Plastic Ono Band for a guest-filled concert in Brooklyn last February? The sold-out show included performances from Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and many others. Now Yoko is going to reform the Plastic Ono Band once more for a pair of shows at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown L.A. on October 1st and 2nd. Special guests have yet be announced, but tickets go on sale Saturday at 9am.

Big Bucks Auction

Jim Morrison's handwritten lyrics for The Doors' song "L.A. Woman" sold for over $20,000 in Tuesday's Cameo Fine Art Auctioneers sale in London. The other top seller was some previously unseen Beatles photos taken between 1965 and 1967 by a 15-year-old British fan brought her almost three times the $8,000 estimated value. That bizarre abstract Jimi Hendrix painting of a snake and three eyes went for over $13,000.

Leon & Sir Elty Book One

Leon Russell and Sir Elton John will share the stage at the newly renovated Palladium in Hollywood on November 3rd. Word is that the longtime friends and collaborators will play that one-night only engagement specifically to feature songs from their forthcoming T-Bone Burnett produced album, "The Union." More tour dates are expected to follow the October 19th release of the album, but the boys will be doing just one Palladium show.

It was Erma Bombeck who said: "Never lend your car to anyone to whom you've given birth."

It was Yogi Berra who said: "I just want to thank everyone who made this day necessary."

It was Ogden Nash who said: "Middle age is when you've met so many people that every new person you meet reminds you of someone else."

Styx! Styx! Styx!

This Friday! Of course Uncle Joe will be hosting the Styx Pacific Amphitheatre concert the Orange County Fair! See you there!

August 7, 2010

Bassist Andy Fraser of the band Free (who wrote the riff to "Alright Now") is 58.
Iron Maiden singer/jet airliner pilot Bruce Dickinson is 52.

On this day in 1965, The Beach Boys' "California Girls" entered the charts as "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" by Herman's Hermits peaked at #1. They don't write 'em like that anymore, do they?

On this day in 1970, Fleetwood Mac welcomed singer/keyboardist Christine McVie into the band. The new wife of bass player John McVie had previously worked with Chicken Shack. Her stint with the Mac lasted twice as long as the marriage.

On this day in 1976, Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown" entered the charts as "Last Child" by Aerosmith peaked at #21.

On this day in 1982, "Hurts So Good" by John 'Cougar' Mellencamp peaked at #2 on the charts. John used the money earned from that hit single to hire lawyers to remove the tag 'Cougar' from his name forever.

August 8, 2010

The Edge (Dave Evans), U2's guitarist, is 49.

On this day in 1964, The Animals' soulful cover of the traditional blues song "The House of the Rising Sun" entered the charts, marking the first time most American kids ever heard a blues song.

On this day in 1964, "I Should Have Known Better" by The Beatles peaked at #53.

On this day in 1966, on the same day that their incredible "Revolver" album was released, The Beatles were banned in South Africa because of John Lennon's infamous remark about the group being more popular than Jesus Christ.

On this day in 1969, The Beatles posed for the famous picture which was used on their "Abbey Road" album. A policeman had to hold up traffic for several minutes at 10am as the band was photographed crossing the street in single file in front of the Abbey Road Studios. It was a hot day in London, so Paul McCartney walked barefoot. Later, when the "Paul is dead" hoax broke around the world, his walking barefoot was seen as a clue that Paul was, in fact, dead (in some countries, corpses are buried without shoes). The late Sixties/early Seventies were full of sketchy clues like that, you know.

On this day in 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released "Looking Out My Back Door" as "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young peaked at #14 on the charts.

On this day in 1970, Janis Joplin bought a headstone for her idol and inspiration, blues legend Bessie Smith, who had been buried in an unmarked grave. Joplin used to sing many of Smith's songs when she was with Big Brother & The Holding Company.

On this day in 1976, Boston's self-titled first album was released and became the fastest-selling debut ever.

On this day in 1987, U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" hit #1 on the charts.

August 9, 2010

On this day in 1973, guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell told Paul McCartney they didn't want to go to Africa to record the album that became "Band On The Run." Because of that, this also marks the day they officially left Paul's band Wings.

On this day in 1995, Grateful Dead icon Jerry Garcia died of a heart attack at the age of 53. He was in drug rehab at the time.

Jerry's Day At The Park

On the 15th anniversary of his death at age 53, Jerry Garcia's "home team" — the San Francisco Giants — are celebrating the late Grateful Dead leader at AT&T Park tonight. The event will feature Garcia's former Dead bandmates Bob Weir singing the national anthem and Mickey Hart attempting to set a Guinness World Record by conducting a seventh inning stretch featuring thousands of fans playing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" on kazoos. Jerry's daughter, Anna Garcia, will throw out the first pitch and custom Giants/Garcia bobble heads will be made available to the fans.

Van Halen Working (Maybe)

In confirming it's continuing deal with Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Van Halen's music publisher (Warner-Chappell Music) says, "The group is currently in the studio recording an album with [David Lee] Roth that is due for release in 2011." The last Halen studio album, "Van Halen III," featured former frontman Gary Cherone and was released in 1998. Of course, this entire story will probably be denied by everyone's management within the next 24 hours

The Steven & Joe Show

They're really becoming more and more like an old married couple. When asked about frontman Steven Tyler's possible decision to become a judge on "American Idol," Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry said that he was "taken totally by surprise." He added that he's been with the singer for 40 years and is shocked he wouldn't be told. In reference to Steven's seemingly random announcement that he wanted to go solo in 2009, Joe said, "It was a replay of last year, except this time he had a job... Over the last couple of years, it's just been getting stranger and stranger." Indeed!

PBS/Lennon

The PBS documentary "John Lennon In New York" is set to air in November. Focusing on the U.S. city that John called home, and the scene of his murder, it will feature a special prologue narrated by his widow Yoko Ono. Meanwhile, Yoko says there's no hope in sight for the long awaited deal to bring The Beatles music to Apple's iTunes music service. She said that a deal was close several times, but a major hurdle or two have continued to block it. "(Apple CEO) Steve Jobs has his own idea and he's a brilliant guy," she said. "There's just an element that we're not very happy about... We are holding out. Don't hold your breath... for anything."

Bret's Surprise

So who's managing this circus? Last Thursday Bret Michaels and his band showed up at Syracuse's CNY Regional Market for their concert, only to find the place empty. It turns out the concert promoter postponed the gig without telling the band! The promoter claims he had to push back the gig due to low ticket sales, but Michaels asserts he and the band have been selling out venues throughout the tour so that doesn't make sense. Of course the promoter hasn't paid Bret the deposit for the concert either, so it's time to send in the lawyers.

It was Oscar Wilde who said: "We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities."

It was Judith Viorst who said: "Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands — and then eat just one of the pieces."

Amazing Summertime Factoids

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The Boston University Bridge (on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts) is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train running under a car driving under an airplane.

The Eisenhower Interstate system (which we're still using) required that one mile in every five be straight to use as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. Whew... I think we all feel safer now!

August 10, 2010

Leo Fender, inventor of all those electric guitars, would have been 101.
Jethro Tull's head guy, Ian Anderson, is 63.
INXS drummer Jon Farriss is 49.

On this day in 1976, Elton John opened the first of seven shows at Madison Square Garden. That run broke the house record set the previous Summer by The Rolling Stones, and marked the absolute peak of his staggering popularity.

On this day in 1995, Bob Dylan released his classic statement about the death of The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia, who died the day before. Bob said, "He's the very spirit personified of whatever is Muddy River country at its core and screams up into the spheres... There's a lot of spaces and advances between The Carter Family, Buddy Holly and, say, Ornette Coleman, a lot of universes, but he filled them all without being a member of any school... There's no way to convey the loss. It just digs down really deep." That's exactly what Bob Dylan said.

A Fertile Rod

It's pretty obvious that Rod Stewart — who has six children aged 4 to 30 from his various relationships — wasn't kidding about wanting another offspring. Word is that the 65-year-old Rod and his wife Penny Lancaster are expecting their second child. Roddy said, "We were thrilled and delighted to be able to tell Alastair that he was going to be the big brother to a little baby, expected just before Mummy's 40th birthday." Do you suppose he'll sing through diaper duty?

New/Old Jimi

As expected, Jimi Hendrix's estate will release another batch of reissues and rare recordings from the guitar god on October 19th. They'll include Jimi's entire Woodstock performance, a collection of his U.K. television and radio appearances, a serious blues collection, the previously ultra-rare "Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year" holiday EP and a new four-disc compilation called "West Coast Seattle Boy."

K.K.'s Links

Besides crunching music, Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing has another, lesser known passion: golfing. Next month will see the unveiling of his 150-acre Astbury Hall golf course in Shropshire, England. K.K. designed all of the natural landscaping, bunkers, manicured playing surfaces, and even oversaw the lodging facilities on the grounds. "Astbury Hall has been borne from my experiences on golf courses from around the world," Downing said. "I am fortunate enough to have played some of the finest the world has to offer and I feel privileged to have been able to create a property that encompasses all my cherished experiences." Makes you wonder if the golf carts will be decorated with heavy metal studs?

Mellencamp's Jaunt

Just as Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp kicked off their Summer tour in Lincoln, Nebraska yesterday, John announced that the first leg of his "No Better Than This Tour" will roll on October 29th. Hitting theater-sized venues across the Midwest over a four week stretch, the shows will be split into three segments: an acoustic set, a set with his small bluesy/country combo and one with his full band. The opening act will actually be a documentary called "It's About You," which chronicles the making of his T Bone Burnett-produced "No Better Than This" album. However, it sounds like he may not hit the Southland until after the first of the year.

Slowhand Swings

Even before Eric Clapton releases his latest "Crossroads" guitar festival DVD in November, he's going to release a brand new studio album on September 28th! The guitar god's latest, simply called "Clapton," is a collection of swinging covers of folks like Irving Berlin, Mose Allison and Fats Waller.

It was Coach John Wooden who said: "Ability is a poor man's wealth."

It was George Carlin who asked: "If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted and musicians denoted?"

It was G. K. Chesterton who said: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it."